The Patriots have several running backs to keep their committee running strong for a while. However, nobody can convince me that Ty Montgomery is James White. That is the one role the Patriots have to fill as Stevenson saw too many touches due to the lack of a pass catching back. There are five names that stick out to me that could at least fill that role.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama, 5'11" 200 pounds
Averaged 5.6 yards on 383 carries, while averaging 11.8 yards on 103 catches. Also averaged 23.9 yards on 44 kickoff returns.
Keith Sanchez said, "Overall, Gibbs is a dynamic running back that should be considered an offensive weapon. His playmaking ability as a running back and as a pass-catcher makes him a mismatch. For teams looking for an explosive playmaker, Gibbs has the opportunity to fill a traditional and nontraditional running back role."
Josh Edwards said, "While many may not have been familiar with Gibbs' work at Georgia Tech, he had shown his capabilities in two years with the Yellow Jackets, but now he is doing it on a grander stage. In the run game, the Georgia native shows an ability to get up to speed quickly and the vision necessary to capitalize on blocks. He fights through contact and plays with good balance. Gibbs lays it all on the line each play and covers the ball through traffic. The Crimson Tide running back is a bit lighter than the modern-day prototype, but his contributions in the pass game make him a threat lined up anywhere in the foundation."
Devon Achane, Texas A&M, 5'9" 185 pounds
Averaged 6.4 yards on 369 carries, while averaging 8.5 yards on 65 catches. Also averaged 30.7 yards on 20 kickoff returns.
Joe Marino said, "Achane profiles as an explosive, complementary back in the NFL that would work well in tandem with a more physical, downhill runner. For a team looking to add speed out of the backfield, Achane can be an x-factor for an NFL offense. "
Derrick Klassen said, "Achane is the ultimate change-of-pace and third-down back. It's hard to imagine he can be a true lead back in the traditional sense because of his size and strength issues, but he has elite athletic ability, a smart running style and a complete profile as a third-down back. Achane can fit into any run scheme or offense, he just needs to be paired with a bigger back to complement him and take off some of the workload as a runner."
Zach Charbonnet, UCLA, 6'1" 220 pounds
Averaged 5.9 yards on 566 carries, while averaging 7.9 yards on 75 catches.
Christian Williams said, "UCLA utilizes him in the receiving game, but Charbonnet won't be considered a receiving back. He has efficient hands, but most routes he runs are flares and screens, sometimes allowing him to use his body to help harness the catch. Still, he can stay on the field on obvious passing downs, which is the most critical aspect of his receiving skill set."
Michael Renner said, "Unlike some others on this list, there’s no physical trait or special skill set to really rave about with Charbonnet. Rather, there’s nothing he can’t do at the running back position. He has ideal size (6-foot-1, 220 points) paired with plus athletic tools and a complete unwillingness to go down on first contact. It’s why he averaged a ridiculous 4.15 yards after contact this season on 194 carries for 1,358 yards. He also showed well in the passing game with 37 catches for 320 yards and 15 broken tackles this season."
Evan Hull, Northwestern, 5'10" 216 pounds
Averaged 5.0 on 488 carries, while 8.1 yards on 94 catches. Also averaged 20.1 yards on 9 kickoffs and fielded a punt for 3 yards.
Kyle Crabbs said, "Expectations for Hull should be to see him earn a 53-man roster spot and carve out a reliable role on special teams early in his NFL career. If he’s able to prove himself in protection quickly, he may see the field as a rotational player early on. If not, he may be relegated to a role that doesn’t dress him during his rookie season barring injuries."
Draft Bible said, "Shorter stature that isn’t reminiscent of NFL lead-backs. Hull is a well-rounded back whose skill set is worthy of a selection in the NFL draft. His utilization as a pass catcher and twitchy runner in multiple schemes is notable and could lend him a fruitful career as a change of pace or fill-in starter at running back in the NFL."
Toa Taua, Nevada, 5'8" 215 Pounds
Averaged 4.7 on 855 carries, while averaging 7.3 yards on 163 catches. Also averaged 20.6 yards on 10 kickoff returns.
Jimmy Williams said, "Bruising running back who isn’t afraid of contact who displays impressive contact balance and the effort to keep his legs pumping through traffic. Impressive patience, feet and burst and he hit the hole hard with a physical attitude. Because of his lower body strength and natural running lean he’s always falling forward. Good ball catcher out the back field who needs improvement in route running ability. Will be a huge help on the next level as a 3rd down or change of pace type of back."
Mike Wittmann said when reporting in the Hula bowl, "From the talk on social media, scouts and coaches began to see what the Mountain West has known for years, that Taua is a reliable player with consistent, all-around production. He wasn’t flashy but made plays and executed his game when given the opportunity."
While they would all allow Stevenson a rest, their abilities in the passing game make all of these players worthy prospects for the New England Patriots if they choose to look to finally replace James White.
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